What is the best replacement window?

May 8, 2017

The best replacement windows to retrofit old windows or add to new construction are manufactured from vinyl and aluminum. The value of a window, price, and total installation cost vary depending on performance measurements and energy efficiency testing. The NFRC (National Fenestration Rating Council) and Energy Star have partnered to created a 4 part standard for measuring the energy efficiency of windows. NFRC label provides a reliable way to determine the cost effectiveness of a replacement window.

What does the NFRC label measure?

1. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient uses a scale of 0 to 1 to tell how well the window resists unwanted heat gain. The lower the number, the less you’ll spend on your utility bill.

2. Look for the highest number when evaluating “Visible Transmittance”. This metric measures how well the window lights your home to save costs on artificial lighting.

3. Air Leakage measures how much air will enter a room through a window. Typical double hung windows have higher air leakage scores because they open and close. But the lower the number, the fewer drafts you’ll experience.

4. Using a scale between 0.20–1.20, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency uses U-Factor to measure how well a window keeps heat from escaping. The lower the rating factor the better. U-Factor rates the efficiency of the window “pane” or glass only but does not rate the entire window.

Replacement windows with Argon filled double or triple-pane glass with a Low E silver coating are the most energy efficient window panes on the market. However, the price and total cost of installation can be expensive. Different areas of your home may need a more energy efficient window depending on the amount of direct sunlight they receive.

Many homeowners with homes built prior to the 1960s are reluctant to consider window replacements because of the visual differences between the character of a traditional wood frame window and a retrofitted vinyl replacement window. They can improve the energy efficiency of their old windows with:

New glazing and film technologies

Storm windows

Weather striping and caulk

While these efforts may be cheaper, studies by the EPA is quick to point out that they produce limited results for lowering the cost of your home utility bills. Window World offers a variety of vinyl replacement window styles to ensure older homes retain their aesthetic charm while improving energy efficiency.

Look for the best warranty when considering the window price and total cost of installation on retrofit, replacement or new construction windows. The industry’s most comprehensive limited lifetime warranty is part of what you are buying when you purchase replacement windows from Window World.

Finally, think about financing. Window World offers several affordable financing options with flexible down payment options.